It would see roads like Queen St, Broadway in Newmarket and Tamaki Dr in Mission Bay dropped to 30km/h.

The new speed limits, which would apply to 10 percent of Auckland roads, could be in place by August 2019.

Auckland Transport chief executive Shane Ellison said in a statement lowering the limits would make the roads safer.

"Setting safe speeds is one of the quickest and most effective tools we have in reducing road trauma," he said.

"The public will now have their say on our safe speed proposals early next year, and for Auckland Transport to continue its work to make our streets safer for everyone."

But the AA isn't a fan of the proposed new speed limits and is asking for Auckland Transport to consider partially backing down on the proposal.

"The Transport Agency's tool for setting speed limits, the Speed Management Guide, recommends 40km/h as the safe and appropriate speed for the bulk of roads in the CBD, but AT is choosing to ignore it," said spokesperson Barney Irvine.

"We think an approach based on 40km/h would be a win for road safety and a win for public support."